| If you own headphones, whether over-ear or smaller earbuds, you’re probably guilty of rarely cleaning them. However, experts warn that allowing grime and bacteria to build up on your earphones could potentially damage your ears. .Below, Dr. Jenn Schumacher, Audiologist at ReSound, explains how dirty earbuds can affect ear health and what you can do about it. The Dangers of Using Dirty Earphones Many of us spend a large part of the day wearing headphones. This might be for a virtual meeting, listening to music on a morning commute, or working out at the gym. But how many of us actually clean our earphones regularly?The answer is probably not enough and without realizing it, this could have consequences for your ears Build Up of Earwax If you use in-ear earphones, you will know they sit deeper inside the ear canal. This means they can push earwax further into the ear and potentially cause blockages that affect hearing including: A blocked feeling in the earTinnitusTemporary hearing lossInflammationAs well as this, our ears are naturally self-cleaning, and earwax plays an important role in protecting ear health. However, wearing earphones for long periods, particularly if they are dirty, can disrupt this natural cleaning process.Earphones can also trap moisture and prevent air from circulating properly inside the ear, which over time can soften earwax and make it stickier. This increases the likelihood of blockages developing later. Increased risk of ear infections If you take a close look at your earphones, you will likely notice they collect bacteria, earwax, and dirt from bags, pockets, and other surfaces. Many people then place these earphones directly back into their ears, introducing bacteria into the ear canal where it can become trapped and lead to painful infections both inside and around the ear.Common symptoms include:Intense ear painItchinessMuffled hearingPus or dischargeFeverIrritation around the ears Over-ear headphones do not sit inside the ear canal, which often leads people to assume they are cleaner than in-ear devices. However, they can still collect bacteria and residue from hair products, sweat, and natural skin oils.These substances can build up on the ear pads and irritate the skin around the ears, and in some cases may also affect the ear itself. People who are prone to skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may be particularly sensitive to irritation caused by dirty earphones. Risk if listening to music too loud Dirty earphones can also affect how you hear sound. Over time, wax and debris may clog the mesh where sound is emitted, which can make audio seem muffled or quieter than usual. As a result, many people increase the volume to compensate, but these high sound levels can still damage hearing over time without realizing it. Tips for using earphones safely Clean Them RegularlyThe easiest way to protect your hearing when using earphones is to clean them regularly. How often you should do this depends on how frequently they are used, but if you wear them often it is a good idea to clean them every couple of weeks while following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are fully dry before using them again. Take Breaks Throughout the DayIf you wear earphones for long periods, it is important to take regular breaks. Even five minutes every hour can help give your ears a rest while allowing air to circulate properly. Clean Your EarsKeeping your ears clean is just as important as cleaning your earbuds, since excess wax or dirt in the ear can easily transfer onto your earphones and then back into your ears the next time you use them. Avoid inserting Q-tips into the ear canal, and seek professional advice if you are unsure how to clean your ears safely. Keep Volume Levels Low Keeping the volume at a moderate level can also help protect your hearing. One helpful guideline is the 60/60 rule, which involves listening at no more than 60 percent volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Many smartphones now provide notifications when audio levels may be damaging, which can help you monitor safe listening habits. |
